Set Up a VRChat Avatar Project
Create the Unity project through VRChat Creator Companion before importing the avatar model or any optional tools. The official Avatar template includes the VRChat Base and Avatar SDK packages required for an Avatars 3.0 project.
This written guide complements DedZedOffishal's VRC Avatars for Dummies video and reflects the current package-based Creator Companion workflow.
Let Creator Companion select the project template, SDK packages, and supported Unity editor.
- Open Creator Companion and select Projects, then New.
- Choose the official Avatar template.
- Enter the project name and location, then select Create Project.
- Wait for package setup to finish and open the project.
- Verify the SDK before importing the avatar.
VRChat currently uses Unity 2022.3.22f1. Install or select the supported editor through Creator Companion instead of opening the project in a newer Unity release.
Video Walkthrough
Creator: DedZedOffishal
Before Creating the Project
You need:
- a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer for the Creator Companion interface
- an internet connection
- VRChat Creator Companion
- Unity Hub or permission for Creator Companion to install it
- enough storage for the Unity editor, project files, and imported avatar assets
Creator Companion checks for Unity Hub and compatible Unity editors when it starts. If it cannot find an installed editor, open its settings and select the Unity executable or follow its installation prompt.
Create the Project in Creator Companion
- Open Creator Companion.
- Select Projects in the navigation.
- Select New.
- Choose the official Avatar template.
- Enter a project name.
- Choose the parent folder where the project will be created.
- Check the final project path shown by Creator Companion.
- Select Create Project.
- Wait while the template, packages, and Unity project are prepared.
- From the package-management screen, open the project in Unity.
Use a reasonably short project path. Creator Companion's troubleshooting documentation identifies long Windows paths as a common cause of missing packages and failed backups.
What the Avatar Template Installs
The official Avatar template includes:
| Package | Purpose |
|---|---|
| VRChat Base SDK | Shared VRChat SDK functionality used by VRChat projects. |
| VRChat Avatar SDK | Components and build tools for Avatars 3.0. |
The World and UdonSharp templates are for world projects. For a new avatar, select the Avatar template rather than adding avatar packages to a World project.
Creator Companion manages these packages through the VRChat Package Manager. Use Manage Project in Creator Companion when you need to inspect or update the installed package versions.
Verify the Empty Project
Let Unity complete its first import before judging the project state. Then check:
- The project opened with the VRChat-supported Unity editor.
- VRChat SDK > Show Control Panel is available.
- The Unity Console has no unresolved red compiler errors.
- The SDK control panel opens and allows you to sign in.
- The Builder tab loads without a package error.
Fix a package or compiler problem before importing the avatar. This keeps SDK setup errors separate from model, shader, and avatar-tool errors.
Import the Avatar and Its Dependencies
Follow the avatar creator's installation instructions. A downloaded avatar may require a particular shader or package before its main Unity package is imported.
Use this sequence:
| Step | Action | Check before continuing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verify the empty Avatar project | SDK control panel opens and the Console compiles. |
| 2 | Add required VPM packages through Creator Companion | Package installation completes without errors. |
| 3 | Import required shaders or other documented dependencies | The dependency appears in the project. |
| 4 | Import the avatar model or Unity package | The model and materials appear under Assets. |
| 5 | Place the avatar in a scene | The avatar root is visible in the Hierarchy. |
| 6 | Check its rig and Avatar Descriptor | The SDK recognizes the avatar in the Builder tab. |
Do not guess at a shader or package when an avatar's documentation names a specific dependency. Confirm that dependency and its supported version with the avatar creator.
Check the Avatar in the SDK
Open VRChat SDK > Show Control Panel, sign in, and select the Builder tab.
The Builder shows:
- the avatar selected for the build
- upload information and content warnings
- performance rank
- validation errors and warnings
- Build and Test and publishing controls
Resolve blocking validation errors before building. Warnings still need review because they can identify performance or configuration problems even when the SDK permits the build.
Build and Test Before Publishing
Use Build & Test in the SDK Builder to create a local test avatar. On desktop, the result appears under SDK Test Avatars in VRChat's avatar menu and is visible only to you.
Local testing is available even if the account cannot publish yet. Uploading a custom avatar requires:
- a VRChat.com account
- a trust rank of New User or higher
Test the avatar's viewpoint, movement, materials, expressions, and dynamics in VRChat before using Build & Publish Your Avatar Online.
Common Setup Problems
The VRChat SDK menu is missing in Unity.
Wait for Unity's initial import to finish and check the Console. If the menu remains missing, close Unity, open the project in Creator Companion, and confirm that the VRChat Base and Avatar SDK packages are installed.
Creator Companion cannot find the supported Unity editor.
Open Creator Companion settings and use the folder button to select the Unity editor executable, or follow Creator Companion's Unity installation prompt. Confirm the version against VRChat's Current Unity Version page.
The project reports missing packages or cannot create a backup.
Check the project path length. Creator Companion recommends a shorter location such as C:\Projects\AvatarName when Windows path limits interfere with packages or backups.
The avatar has pink materials after import.
Read the avatar creator's dependency list and install the required shader using the method they provide. Do not replace every material until you have confirmed whether a shader dependency is missing.
The avatar does not appear in the SDK Builder.
Confirm that the avatar is in the open scene and that its root GameObject has a VRC Avatar Descriptor. Then reopen the SDK control panel and check the Builder tab again.
The SDK allows local testing but not publishing.
Publishing requires a VRChat.com account with New User trust rank or higher. Visitors can still use Build and Test to work on a local avatar that only they can see.
Project Setup Checklist
- The project was created from Creator Companion's Avatar template.
- Unity opened with VRChat's supported editor version.
- The Base and Avatar SDK packages are installed.
- The SDK control panel opens.
- The Console was clear before the avatar import.
- Required avatar dependencies were installed from their documented sources.
- The avatar appears in the SDK Builder.
- Blocking SDK validation errors are resolved.
- Build and Test succeeds before publishing.
Official References
- VRChat Creator Companion: Getting Started
- VRChat Creator Companion: Package Manager
- VRChat Creator Companion: Project Templates
- VRChat Creator Companion: Frequently Asked Questions
- VRChat Creation: Getting Started with the SDK
- VRChat Creation: Current Unity Version
- VRChat Creation: Creating Your First Avatar
- VRChat Creation: Avatar Build and Test
- VRChat Creation: Avatar Performance Ranks
